I have the time but worry about the length of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you can, stop there for a bite to eat. In Santa Cruz, I have it tentatively narrowed down to the Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. Enjoy an awesome meal with a great view at Sanderlings Restaurant. Rooms from $159/night, book on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Both places are fun and beautiful with a lot to see! Of course, Henry Cowell state park is closer to Santa Cruz, so SC would be more convenient for that. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a golf course and a restaurant. More than 200 films have been shot in Monterey County, and it's now home to HBO's acclaimed Big Little Lies. Located just off Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, our pet-friendly Comfort Inn hotel offers easy access to many attractions in the Monterey Bay area. Located in Santa Cruz, California, 10 minutes from Lighthouse Field State Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool, a sauna, and bright, contemporary rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur. In Big Sur, we plan to do a good bit of hiking so probably would be look for more water sports and activities here. Kickstart your day with a filling and delicious breakfast at Zeldas. I think between (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I am considering whale watching and hiking in the Henry Cowell Redwood park among other things. I think Monterey probably has the edge for lodging and restaurants within walking distance to more lodging. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. Poor second cousin (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. And it is farther from stuff. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, http://www.montereypeninsula.info/guide/beaches.htm. Looking for exceptional deals on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Westside Santa Cruz vacation packages? From a hotel on the beach, to a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, to a vacation rental for the family or a rustic campground, you can rest easy in Santa Cruz County. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172993', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nepenthe. For Sale - 7855 Monterra Oaks Rd, Monterey, CA - $1,900,000. Browse the buzzing Sunday Art & Music at the Beach events throughout the summer. Why is Santa Cruz warmer than Monterey? Midtown is an eclectic neighbourhood located east of the city centre. Have a fun trip! Privacy can be the best cure for a hangover, which is why we chose this Airbnb for all of the nightlife enthusiasts. Then you head inland a bit, still scenic though, and meet back up with the coast later. You can whale watch from either town. Enjoy a great selection of sweet and savoury dishes at the Crepe Place, a longstanding Santa Cruz favourite. I've put together a San Francisco city guide to give you some ideas. Even if your kids don''t surf, it is fascinating to watch tht surfers from the bluff. Feast on mouthwatering pub fare at 99 Bottles Restaurant & Pub. We really appreciate & are super excited about our adventure! And let us not overlook Ostrichland in Buellton. Situated south of Downtown, the Boardwalk spans the seaside and is home to buzzing attractions, busy restaurants, and cosy cafes. 831-372 . With the ages of your children, I highly suggest Santa Cruz, due to the amusement park right on the beach, the beach itself and the cute shops on the wharf. Nobody remembers that this was happening all over the country. What is your lodging budget? Monterey's 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in #1 Downtown - Where to stay in Monterey first time #2 Munras Avenue - Where to stay in Monterey on a budget #3 Cannery Row - Best area to stay in Monterey for nightlife #4 Pacific Grove - Coolest place to stay in Monterey #5 Cannery Row (FAMILY) - Best neighbourhood in Monterey for families Santa Cruz is more beachy - lots of wide, sandy beaches, a good surf culture, historic seaside amusement park, eclectic downtown, etc. Which is exactly why I put together this guide to the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. Monterey is farther south, so if you only have 2 nights, then Monterey would break up the drive more evenly than Santa Cruz would. For a vacation rental option, try this South Lake Union condo near the Space Needle ( from $160/night ). Breakfast options. Take a taxi from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $140 - $180 Drive 46 min Drive from Santa Cruz to Monterey 42.6 miles $7 - $12 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Santa Cruz to Monterey by bus 91 Weekly Buses 4h 10m Average Duration $6 Cheapest Price See schedules Questions & Answers Again, thank you! This room allows you to have a great home while not having to empty your bank account completely. Even at its warmest, the ocean along the California coast remains cool compared to beaches in the tropics or even Florida. With over 14 state parks, wineries, museums, farmer's markets, surfing, shopping, and family fun activities, there are plenty of things to do. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. And oftentimes good food in that range. Our decision now is what to do with the THREE DAYS we have. I have lived through this, having moved here in 1970 and been involved in the University and I am very tired of hearing Santa Cruz described as having a "hippie vibe", C'mon, you guys. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77279322', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey and Santa Cruz are only 45 minutes apart, you can easily stay in one and visit the other, if you wish. This excellent three-star hotel is set in central Midtown, one of the best places in Santa Cruz to stay for nightlife. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants and bars, and is close to the beach. Even better, a night stay comes with free use of one of the motel's beach bikes. All amenities are in great condition, the beach is right around the corner and the living area is perfect to gather the whole family for dinner after a long and exciting day. We took 101 from LA to Canbria and it was just a gorgeous drive..I wouldn't have imagined that. Convenient private room is one of our favourites in Santa Cruz, California but theyre not taking guests right now. You'll enjoy a meal of shrimp, oysters and clam chowder after your day in the town or hunting for killer whales and dolphin pods while sailing the pacific. I would chose whichever town seems like the best fit for what you want to do and see. Answer 1 of 26: So with all the road and park closures in Big Sur we are considering cancelling our two night stay there in early March. Youll find plenty of bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach is within walking distance. Both SC and Monterey have good options for dinner and good lodging. Carmel is next to Monterey, which is a quaint upscale village with plenty of nice restaurants, boutiques, and tasting rooms. We also love seeing wildlife. Find your new favourite book at the legendary Bookshop Santa Cruz. From Monterey to Santa Cruz expect a slow down through Moss Landing. The wharf and cannery row are more prominent in Monterey, and the aquarium is a big draw. Don't stay at any with "Boardwalk" in the name.. (Click on California Coast June '11), Driving routes and options from SFO to Monterey. Don't know if your kids would be that interested in that, mine were 20 and 17 so it was different for us. See the ruins of the S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship. Were not sure if theyre closed for good but we hope theyll come back soon. Maybe that's why he's in love with the Andes, where you'll find him in the local cafs ordering the. If approved by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association, the new sanctuary will provide the missing link in a chain of . Carmel has a great little white sand beach and a European cottagey vibe with lots of boutique stores (it is a pretty unique little community), Pacific Grove has Victorian B and B's but other more casual lodging with coastal bluff walkways. Highway 1 is washed out and closed. It is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. What is the most breathtaking part of hwy 1? This property has five bedrooms with great features and stunning views. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Santa Cruz is more of a beachy town with lots of wide, sandy beaches, the Boardwalk amusement park, an eclectic downtown, strong surfing culture. Answer 1 of 15: Hi - I'm traveling to California early next August. Santa Cruz is the beach locals go to for sun and water activities. It seems like there are lots of mom and pop hotels. Flexible booking options on most hotels. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel. Yall are great! SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! Whether or not it is worth it for your family depends on your interests and what you would otherwise be doing with the time spent at the aquarium. You won't regret it. And yes, the water is cold. This is the best hostel in Santa Cruz. We also like pit stops - a couple things we were looking at to pit stop are Hearst Castle, Madonna Inn. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, like a swimming pool and free wifi. My plan now is to drive up from Pasadena to San Simeon via hwy 5 and then pick up hwy 1. Try to help and people have to go on a rant. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? Get excited here are our best recommendations for where to stay in Santa Cruz, California, USA. It has a convenient location, comfortable beds, and a great range of amenities and features. Manresa isn't as good for swimming though. If you have a map, start at the San Lorenzo River and go south the the Yacht Harbor. These are some top choices for places to stay: Monterey: Pacific Inn Monterey (Budget), The Stevenson Monterey (Mid-Range), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Luxury) & Beachside House (Private Rental) InterContinental The Clement Monterey (from USD 304) The oceanfront views from the InterContinental Clement Monterey will absolutely take your breath away. Monterey Properties; Santa Clara Properties; Santa Cruz Properties; Fresno Properties; Short Term Rentals; List Your Rental; Residents; Owners; Contact; Blog; FAQs; Pay Rent. This contemporary hotel has comfortable rooms with excellent features and amenities. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I would have a hard time finding stuff to . Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf are touristy, but downtown isn't really - they are all close together though. Your email address will not be published. The Municipal Wharf is near the Boardwalk and Stagnaro Bros. takes boats out on the Bay for whale watching. The seaside town of Santa Cruz is one of the coolest places in California. IMO, Carmel/Pacific Grove is MUCH more attractive and interesting than Santa Cruz. I will definitely check into the train ride. This unit was designed and built by an architect who has a great eye for style and detail. Note that nightlife is laregely confined to weekends in Santa Cruz. Should I drive hwy 1 that part of the journey? Another good beach is Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Escape the crowds at artsy and secluded Capitola Beach. We do not represent World Nomads. I was trying to give a VERY general description as to how the areas differ. Not only will you find the citys only hostel here, but this neighbourhood is packed with delicious cheap eats and inexpensive activities to enjoy. Both are good choices, it really depends on the atmosphere that you want. Paso Robles, San Simeon, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are all within an hour of each other. We know about the road - we are going go around the long way to Paso Robles to miss the construction.. It also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks. It is world class. I find people to be friendly, generally. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41998478', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');West Cliff Drive. Driving from LA to Monterey - First time - help. It really just depends on what you are looking for. They are located at opposite ends of the same bay, so the area for whale watching is pretty much the same from either town. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Red Restaurant and Bar. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41178810', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California you have to be south of Point Conception, which is just north of Santa Barbara. Edited: 01 June . This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The Comfort Inn is centrally located near the Boardwalk, one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz. As to which town, I prefer Santa Cruz, but I think Monterey has better restaurants. Downtown Santa Cruz is the best neighbourhood in Santa Crus to stay in if youre visiting for the first time. Edited to add that near Henry Cowell state park is Roaring Camp Railroad, which is a narrow gauge steam train that takes people on rides through the redwoods. Address: 652 Cannery Row, Monterey City Center, Monterey (CA), United States, 93940. This nature-rich . There are some nice restaurants but not as many as Monterey or Carmel. Located in the best position, you wont have to walk far to the main hotspots youll definitely enjoy your time at this place. Would one be better than the other for dinner/accommodations? The 1960's "hippie" students I mentioned are now retired lawyers, doctors, university professors, heads of universities, involved in the genome project, and important members of communities all over California. As a member of our team, you can too.We haveSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Sip drinks and enjoy cheap bars games at lively One Double Oh Seven Club. Our top pick for where to stay in Santa Cruz for nightlife, this area is bursting with bars, restaurants and clubs where you can enjoy plenty of after-dark fun. The Monerey Bay Aquarium is not to miss there. Is Santa Cruz safe? Take a photo at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay for some great memories without a hefty price tag. Also.. is Santa Cruz a better beach destination for those that actually want to spend a little time in the water? KSCO Live Show: 831-479-1080 KSCO Office: 831-475-1080 Important! Continue travelling east along the coast to Capitola. Each room comes complete with a minibar, kitchenette and wireless internet access. As a matter of fact I purchased the ProShow Gold DVD slideshow software and made a 35 min show with music and gave to my kids on Xmas. Th most breathtaking of Highway 1 is when you leave the Cambria area for the next 2hours. That's coming a bit later in the form of Wallace's Weekender newsletter, which in addition to a boatload of recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County has an update on what Harbor High grad-turned-Hollywood A-lister Adam Scott has cooking these days. Most travelers stop in Santa Cruz en route to Monterey, especially since it's only a few hours from SF and the next leg of your drive might make for a seriously long day IF you also want to include a stop in Monterey and/or Carmel. I don't know Santa Cruz beaches well enough to speak with authority, but Monterey Peninsula area beaches aren't especially safe for swimming. Its always been a big hit with the kids in our family. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel is a short walk to great dining, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing options. It's a small, funky lil beach town with shops, casual restaurants & beach access. The good news: Santa Cruz and the Monterey Peninsula are only 45 minutes apart, so you can stay in one and easily visit the other. 400 plus pictures, but I digress. Obviously the true hippies have moved on but the areas still have a bit of that feel and try and remain colorful as opposed to going mainstream. It also offers easy access to the beach as well as many of Santa Cruzs most famous attractions and landmarks. Should I: Stay at a hotel in Santa Cruz?. The outdoor area is shared with the other unit but offers a cute patio and a BBQ. Edited to add that near Henry Cowell state park is Roaring Camp Railroad, which is a narrow gauge steam train that takes people on rides through the redwoods. Youre steps away from Boardwalk and the beach, as well as cafes, restaurants and other hot spots. Check out the Mnin-Mokre, Voivodia de Santa Cruz, Polnia WinterCast. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We have two girls, 15 and 10 and are an active family and love adventure, the beach, amusement parks and nature. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I'm wondering with four kids (11,9,7,5) should we stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz? To find warm water beaches in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Would you recommend one? ISO Ocean front rental or hotel in the Monterey area. Compare 580 hotels in Santa Cruz using 17,179 real guest reviews. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. In this guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in Santa Cruz. This hostel has comfortable beds, modern amenities and boasts a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere. They are adjacent. The beach at Capitola Village is good - there are a lot of shops and restaurants just off the beach, so that can be fun. Whether or not it is worth it for your family depends on your interests and what you would otherwise be doing with the time spent at the aquarium. Take 101, it's much more pleasant than I-5. It is comprised of 16 modern rooms with an excellent array of amenities and features. Like Kibblesmom said, they are only 45 minutes apart. The best one is the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn, further down on Ocean Street. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-63172030', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car ride. If you want classic beach stuff - laying out, volleyball, playing in the waves, Santa Cruz is what you want. On the first leg, we are trying to decide if we should sleep in Santa Cruz or Monterrey? Two of the most popular beach(es) in Santa Cruz itself are Seabright and Twin Lakes. Splash, swim and play at Rio del Mar beach. Walk the tiny .6-mile-long . Grab a drink at the Asti, an old-school dive bar. Also, can any give me some input on hwy1 from LA up to San Simeon. Do you have any recommendations? Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Vacations ; Santa Cruz. Here is a traveler article on Santa Cruz to help describe it. We arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning out of the San Francisco airport. I concur with november moon. Also, I'm thinking of staying at the Best Western in Morro Bay. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. We watched it that morning and DS said it was his favorite gift. I would stay in Santa Cruz (or Capitola or Aptos) and then take a day trip or two to Monterey.